Cushendall, Northern Ireland

A little village that has drawn me into its crossroads many many times in the searching for Ossian’s grave which lies just on its outskirts. Another attracting piece of folklore discovered during those journeys is the Fairy Hill overlooking the village called Tiveragh Hill. With a population of just over 1,200 inhabitants, the Village’s name comes from the Irish “Cois Abhann Dalla” meaning the “foot of the River Dall” or “bottom of the River Dall” as it is located in the heart of the valley where the Dall runs. Formerly it was called “Newtown Glens”. It is a popular tourist spot for coastal road travellers exploring County Antrim as its along the A2 coast road between Cushendun and Glenariff, areas most known for their natural beauty, folklore, and seaside panoramas. It is also from this coast that on a clear day, one can see Scotland, as it is only separated from Scotland by the North Channel and only 16 miles of distance inbetween. In a 2001 Census it was determined that 98% of the population of Cushendall was Catholic. The town is also very popular for sports, especially camogie and hurling. Besides the two spots of folklore listed above, the area is popular for The Curfew Tower, the ruins of Layde Church, Red Bay Castle, and Glenariff Forest Park. The area is also known for shopping, a annual vintage car rally, and some local festivals.

Following the mythology and folklore of Northern Ireland around Cushendall looking for Oisin’s grave and stumbling upon a majestic fairy hill and tree in the process. More stories at www.technogypsie.com/chronicles/